All island karate contest-2002 concludes in Trincomalee

[TamilNet, Sunday, 20 October 2002, 19:27 GMT]The all island martial arts -karate tournament-2002 was held Saturday and Sunday at St Joseph’s College auditorium in Trincomalee, organised by the district branch of the Sri Lanka Martial Arts-Do-Association and sponsored by the UNICEF.

Mr.R.Sampanthan, Tamil National Alliance leader was the chief guest at the concluding event of the tournament. Ms Gabriela Elroy, UNICEF representative in Trincomalee was the Guest of Honour.

Members of karate associations in Vavuniya, Amparai, Nuwara Eliya, Kandy and Trincomalee participated in the tournament.

UNICEF Trincomalee representative Ms Gabriela Elroy said, “UNICEF agreed to sponsor this event as Karate promotes discipline and courage among children and youths. It’s a good sign to see girls participating in the Karate competition. More girls should come forward to learn karate.”

Mr.Sampanthan said, “In western countries women are advised to learn karate to safeguard them from unruly elements. Karate disciplines minds and lives of younger generation with self-confidence. Karate does not instigate violence but it safeguards ordinary citizens from violence. Karate provides self-defence,” said Mr.Sampanthan.